Blyth Spartans boss Paul Baker faced up to what he described as a "disaster" following a 5-1 thrashing at home to Droylsden.

Baker, preparing for tomorrow night's UniBond League Premier Division match against Lancaster at Croft Park, saw his struggling squad take the lead after only three minutes at Croft Park last night.

But injuries to Andrew Leeson (dislocated finger) and Richard Forster (twisted knee), plus the sending-off of Keith Graydon, heaped agony on a Spartans side that finished the game with eight men and have now lost 10 matches in succession against league opposition.

"Ian Dixon is now the only recognised central defender available tomorrow night," said Baker.

"We have got massive problems," he added. "Last night was nothing short of a disaster - and I am not just talking about the result."

While Baker's suffering continued today, Dunston Federation were all smiles after a 2-0 win at Marske gave them a five-point lead at the top of the Albany Northern League First Division.

Fed, who have a game in hand over Durham City, clinched victory with goals by Danny Shore and David Southern.

Goals by Steve Baldwin and Steve Cherry took Newcastle Benfield Saints nearer to promotion from Division Two with a 2-1 win at Evenwood. The game between Washington Nissan and Ashington was postponed, but Alnwick won 3-0 at home to South Shields.